Saturday, September 13, 2014

1 Timothy 6:17-19 -- On Laying Hold on Eternal Life

"Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;
That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life."
1 Timothy 6:17-19

This is interesting, talking about different kinds of riches. One kind is in this world, and is uncertain and associated with being highminded (snobbish or condescending). The other is associated with good works, generosity, and willing communication. And then it says that we should store up some of these riches for a time to come, so that we can lay hold on eternal life. :) Laying hold almost makes it sound like a wild animal. :) And maybe it is, or we are. Maybe we have to tame ourselves in order to get there. :)
I don't think we can store anything up to buy eternal life, or to use it like food storage. I think that probably just the act of doing and "accumulating" some good works is what helps us to be the sort of people who will be able to lay hold on eternal life. We'll be strong enough to hang on even in the midst of the storm of life. The whole "bridle all your passions" idea (Alma 38:12)... not in a put the wild animal in the zoo way, but in a under-control and don't have to be committed to a place with padded-walls way. We let ourselves get out of control way too often, and almost always regret it.
So today, let's trust in God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy, and trust in the sort of riches that are certain; let's do good, and start laying that foundation of true wealth that will help us lay hold on eternal life and not let go. :)

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